How much does camping cost at Wawayanda Campground?

Camping fees at Wawayanda Campground are From $10/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Wawayanda Campground first-come first-served or reservation?

Wawayanda Campground accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Wawayanda Campground before I book?

Yes! Wawayanda Campground has 8 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve.

What is the best time to visit Wawayanda Campground?

Wawayanda Campground is open April 1 - October 31. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Wawayanda Campground?

Yes, Wawayanda Campground has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

How many campsites does Wawayanda Campground have?

Wawayanda Campground has 4 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Wawayanda Campground?

Pets are not allowed at Wawayanda Campground. This policy helps protect local wildlife and other campers. Consider nearby pet-friendly campgrounds if traveling with animals.

What amenities are available at Wawayanda Campground?

Wawayanda Campground offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Wawayanda Campground?

Popular activities at Wawayanda Campground include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Wawayanda Campground

4.53

32 reviews

Top 20% in NJFall

Family FriendlySwimmingSummer Destination

Featured in:Hiking Camping New Jersey#3 Swimming Camping New Jersey#3 Fishing Camping New Jersey +3 more

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

From $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

April 1 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on NewJerseyStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,161 ft

Price

From $10/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

4 campsites

Season

April 1 - October 31

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Showers

Book on NewJerseyStateParks Official Website

Get Directions

Wawayanda Campground

from $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

One user review reported a $10 entrance fee for New Jersey residents (visitor-sourced; confirm via official NJDEP parks site). Day-use and seasonal...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

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New Jersey State Parks

Provider

I manage this campground

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Campground Map

Wawayanda Campground

41.1881, -74.4258

Weather at Wawayanda Campground

Best Time to Camp at Wawayanda Campground

Spring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, while autumn sets the hardwood canopy ablaze in brilliant reds and golds—both seasons offer comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs to boot. Summer transforms the park into a bustling lakeside retreat where swimmers, paddlers, and sun-seekers flock to the sandy beach, so expect company during peak months. When winter blankets the ridges in snow, Wawayanda takes on a hushed, almost magical quality perfect for those seeking solitude, though you'll want to check ahead as some services scale back in the colder months.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 7% in NJ

Spring wildflowers, bird migration and trout stocking mentions make spring very appealing.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: April 1 - October 31

About Wawayanda Campground

Nestled in the heart of New Jersey's rugged Highlands, Wawayanda Campground offers a rare escape where crystal-clear, spring-fed waters meet densely forested ridges. Whether you arrive by car, on foot, or by boat, you'll find yourself immersed in 34,000 acres of wilderness centered around the stunning 255-acre Wawayanda Lake. This is camping with options—choose your own adventure from drive-in convenience to secluded walk-in sites or waterfront boat-in camping.

The campground includes drive‑in, walk‑in and boat‑in camping zones, allowing both car campers and lakeside boat‑in sites.

Historical Significance

About 19–20 miles of the Appalachian Trail pass through Wawayanda State Park, linking the campground to the long‑distance hiking corridor. The park's landscape reflects glacially shaped Highlands geology and the broader Highlands region's cultural history, though the campground's primary significance is natural and recreational.

Weather and SeasonsSpring awakens the forest with wildflowers and migrating birds, while autumn sets the hardwood canopy ablaze in brilliant reds and golds—both seasons offer comfortable temperatures and fewer bugs to boot. Summer transforms the park into a bustling lakeside retreat where swimmers, paddlers, and sun-seekers flock to the sandy beach, so expect company during peak months. When winter blankets the ridges in snow, Wawayanda takes on a hushed, almost magical quality perfect for those seeking solitude, though you'll want to check ahead as some services scale back in the colder months.

Natural Features and SceneryWawayanda State Park's landscape tells the story of ancient glaciers that carved dramatic Highlands terrain across more than 34,000 acres. Towering oaks, maples, and hemlocks create a cathedral-like canopy overhead, while rocky outcrops and hidden wetlands reward curious explorers. The crown jewel is Wawayanda Lake itself—255 acres of pristine water fringed by forest, punctuated by quiet coves and a long, inviting sandy beach that seems worlds away from the everyday. Every vista here, from lakeshore to ridgetop, reminds you why New Jersey's Highlands remain one of the region's best-kept secrets.

Geological RegionNew Jersey Highlands (glacially‑sculpted Highlands terrain); Northeastern coastal forests ecoregion

Scenic ViewsRidgeline and summit views from Wawayanda Mountain and portions of the Appalachian Trail offer broad vistas across the New Jersey–New York Highlands; shoreline and across‑water views from the lake and sandy beach are also scenic.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Reservation PlatformsUseDirect (NJ State Parks reservation system) is the typical platform for New Jersey State Parks; confirm specific campground availability on the NJDEP parks website.

Total Campsites4 campsites

Best CampsitesBoat‑in sites at or near Wawayanda Lake are frequently cited by visitors as the most scenic due to direct water access and quieter surroundings. Walk‑in sites away from main loops are recommended by campers seeking greater privacy and darker night skies; there is no consistent, site‑number consensus in available reviews.

Need help booking Wawayanda Campground?

Reservation tips, booking windows, and free cancellation alerts.

When to Book

Find your booking window

Cancellation Alerts

Free alerts for this campground

Amenities available

Campsites include picnic tables and fire rings. Potable water, restroom buildings with flush toilets, and showers are available in the main/day‑use area near the beach. Individual campsites are non‑electric; boat launch and boat rental services are provided at the lake. Cell coverage is limited in parts of the campground.

Showers

Potable water

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Vault toilets

I manage this campground

Things to do at Wawayanda Campground

A multi‑use park centered on Wawayanda Lake offering hiking, swimming, non‑motorized boating, fishing, picnicking, wildlife viewing, and seasonal winter activities such as cross‑country skiing and snowshoeing.

Swimming4.5/5Top 1% in New Jersey

Hiking4.0/5

Over 40 miles of trails incl. ~19–20 miles of Appalachian Trail and ridge‑top vistas.

Boating4.0/5

Park centered on 255‑acre Wawayanda Lake; non‑motorized boating and boat‑in campsites noted.

Wildlife viewing4.0/5

Beach activities4.0/5

Water Sports4.0/5

Non‑motorized boating on a clear 255‑acre lake supports kayaking and paddle sports.

Signature experiences

Photography4.0/5Ridge vistas, autumn colors, clear lake and rocky outcrops provide varied photo subjects.

Not sure what to pack?Our complete camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsLimited or spotty cell service in many interior areas; seasonal insects (mosquitoes, gnats) near wetlands and the lake; muddy or wet trail sections after rain. Crowds and noise near the day‑use beach in peak summer. Standard wildlife precautions advised—black bears are possible in the region, so secure food and follow park storage rules.

No Electric HookupsElectric hookups are not available at this campground. RV campers should arrive with a full battery and plan for off-grid power (generator hours/quiet rules permitting).

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

No Dump StationThere is no dump station at this campground. Plan to use a dump station along your route or at a nearby facility before or after your stay.

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

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Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

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From Booking Sources

4.5

32 reviews

Top-Rated

Wawayanda Campground is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

Visitors consistently praise Wawayanda Lake, the sandy beach, and the extensive trail network and views; campers value the option of drive‑in, walk‑in and boat‑in sites. Common negatives are limited cell service, summer crowds/noise near the beach, insects in warm months, muddy trails after rain, and relatively basic campground amenities.

Review Summaries

Based on 32 reviews

What Campers Love

Scenic, clear lake with sandy beach; extensive and varied hiking including Appalachian Trail access and ridge views; multiple camping access types (drive‑in, walk‑in, boat‑in); family‑friendly...

Based on 32 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Reserve early for peak summer weekends and holidays; choose walk‑in or boat‑in sites for greater privacy and quieter nights; arrive with supplies because the campground lacks a full on‑site store;...

Based on 32 reviews

Camper Quotes

“Beautiful park, great trails.” — Google review; “A popular naturally scenic lake with beach, swimming, hiking, picnicking and boating.” — Google review; “Restrooms are so bad.” — Google review

Based on 32 reviews

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Wawayanda Campground

from $10.00 / night

Campsite Fees

One user review reported a $10 entrance fee for New Jersey residents (visitor-sourced; confirm via official NJDEP parks site). Day-use and seasonal...

No campsite fee categories listed.

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free to start · paid plans add 2-min scans

263,000+ sites monitored · Email alerts to start; SMS and in-app with an account

Learn more about alerts →

Share this campground

New Jersey State Parks

Provider

Go if

Tent campers who want 40+ miles of trails, lake swimming, and a quieter stay can do well here, especially in spring or fall. Walk-in or boat-in sites usually feel more private than the beach area.

Skip if

RVers and anyone who needs steady phone service should pass. There are no RV hookups, cell coverage is spotty, summer beach crowds and noise are common, and some visitors felt unwelcome unless they fit the local crowd.

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